At lunchtime we drove to William Gilpin school at Pilley where, for the establishment’s Food Festival, we joined Elizabeth, Danni, Ella, Jack, Adam, Thea, and Jasper – my sister, niece, great niece, great nephew, nephew, niece-in-law, and great nephew respectively – although, as will be seen, respect didn’t really come into it for Ella.
This was a well-attended happy event in perfect sunny, yet temperate weather.
It was suggested that I might like to sit on a hay bale if I needed to rest my knees. I explained that, were I to do so, I would be unable to get up. Mind you, I would not have needed protection from the tiger from one of these seats.
Apart from the odd tree root this terrain was flat enough for me to wander around reasonably comfortably.
Because we had eaten toast at home before we left we felt no need to join the
lengthy queues for food, the most popular of which seemed to be for pizzas
and tacos.
Having arrived earlier, the younger families were happily fed.
Thea clutched a cardboard container
while Jasper and Ella climbed in and out of building bricks of large solid tyres.
Jack took everything in although he didn’t say much.
Did I mention the tiger?
Well, when I did decide I would like to sit down for a bit, I joined a group resting on a seat built around a large oak tree. I chose the highest section and chatted happily with the woman next to me, until I was approached by an artistically painted tiger who, stern-faced stated “I was sitting there”.
My neighbour explained to the fierce feline that “this gentleman needs to sit here”. This cut no ice so I shifted sideways. The tiger, having made her point, leaving the open space sat on the other side of me.
I then owned up to knowing that when this particular little big cat told you to do something you’d best comply, thus revealing my relationship to my great niece.
Sharing the amusement later I learned from Thea that Ella had pointed out that I was sitting in her place and, marching across from the tyre, stated “I’m going to tell him off”.
We all decamped to Elizabeth’s for a short while before Jackie and I returned home, where Becky and Ian brought back Dillon, Flo, and Ellie, quickly turning around to their own home.
The four of us dined on Red Chilli’s excellent takeaway fare. My main choice was Naga Chilli Chicken and vegetable rice with which I finished the Malbec. We shared peshwari naans. Jackie didn’t imbibe and Flo and Dillon drank fruit cordial
Are Ellie and Ella named after the same person? Sounds like a lovely day.
No – the names are quite coincidental. Ellie’s name is Elowen – Cornish for Elm tree. Thanks very much, Pat
Lovely. Thanks for that info.
Elowen is a beautiful name!
It is
Tyger, Tyger, climbing right
up the tires high and bright,
what amused and watchful eye
found your efforts spry and sly?
(With apologies to you-know-who!)
I love what you did here with you-know-who’s verse!
Thank you so much, Liz. Many thanks
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Same here!
Thank you very much, Linda
It looks like a fun event for families.
It really was, Liz. Thanks very much
You’re welcome, Derrick.
You guys had a wonderful day with family, fun, and food! Great post, Derrick. ☺️🇬🇧
Thank you so much, John
You are welcome! 👍🏻
I find as a grandfather, that is sometimes difficult to remember that bringing up confident and forthright children is actually a very good thing.
Quite so, Tootlepedal. Thanks very much
What a fun day! 🙂 Ha on the feisty “fierce” feline! 😉 That Ella is so cute! 😀
(((HUGS)))
PS…Jack has grown so much! 🙂
Thank you very much, Carolyn X
I’m glad you reminded me of Jack’s name!
It sounds like you another lovely family day.
It was, Sue. I was impressed that you recognised the true identity of the tiger. 🙂 Thanks very much
Who could forget those gorgeous eyes!
🙂
What a wonderful day. Aren’t children adorable? They’re honest, and speak their feelings. Now that’s respect! 😉
It is. So right 🙂 Thanks very much, Chrissy
🙂
Sounds like a lot of fun.
It was. Thanks very much, Susan
Adorable!
Thanks very much, Leslie
Little Ella the Tiger! I love her face painting. It sounds like you all had a wonderful time. Little Jack’s expression does look like he is taking it all in. 🙂
Thank you so much, Lavinia
What a wonderful day, so much joy.
Thank you very much, Gary
What a fun post. I hope you enjoyed yourself. Next time I need to tell someone off, maybe I’ll paint my face like a tiger, or find a mask.
I’m sure it would help, JoAnna. Thank you very much
Looks like everyone had a fun day. Thanks for sharing, Derrick.
Much appreciated, Jill
Lovely day out but I bet you hadn’t expected to meet a Tiger?
Thanks very much, Sheree
Beautiful looking weather for such an outing – your pictures capture the happy atmosphere. My Tyger, Tyger … thunder was stolen but I love the way the words have been updated to suit the purpose!
Thank you very much, Anne
All the tigers I have met in the wild, do not usually need a chair …
🙂 Cheers, Ivor
You were very brave to sit (albeit unknowingly) in that fierce tiger’s place. You got off lightly.
I did, rather. Thanks very much, Yvonne
What a beautiful day! And a cute little tiger ☺️
Thank you so much, Ribana
It looks like a such a delightful day! I imagine you never expected to meet a tiger there–especially one who would tell you off! 🙂
Quite so, Merril. Thank you very much 🙂
An outstanding outing for all!
Thank you very much, GP
What a fun day. Great pictures, Derrick
Thanks very much, Bridget
I guess when a tiger asks you to move, you had better do so. No point messing with a tiger, no matter how cute.
Quite so, Laurie. Thanks very much 🙂
Lovely to spend a day in the sun!
Thanks very much, Aletta
What a fun day!
Thanks very much, Diane
I love to hear about the antics of Ella and little Jack. They are too cute! 💞
Thank you very much, AnneMarie
That’s a great story, Derrick!
Thanks very much, Barbara